Ibrox View: Conflicting reports do little to ease confusion over potential summer deal for Hagi
RANGERS OPINION
One of the most intriguing transfer stories involving Rangers this summer is almost certainly set to be whether or not they land Ianis Hagi on a permanent deal.
The 21-year-old has impressed since arriving at Ibrox on loan from Genk in January, registering three goals and two assists in 10 appearances for the Gers.
In fact, the Romanian has been so bright during his brief stint in Glasgow, there have been reports that the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and even Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him.
The Gers have an option-to-buy clause written into his contract, understood to be worth around £4.5 million, but the road to a permanent deal may not be entirely smooth.
According to a report from The Scottish Sun, Lazio are waiting in the wings to make a move if Steven Gerrard’s men do not elect to pull the trigger on a summer swoop.
And while the Gers do still have first refusal on the player, Ross Wilson’s recent admission that the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic could have a negative impact on the club’s chances of landing the youngster does muddy the waters somewhat.
Factor in Lazio’s apparent interest, and there are certainly hurdles to overcome.
But The Sun’s report directly conflicts a recent claim from Romanian agent Giovani Becali, who claims to have a “very good relationship” with Lazio’s sporting director.
As quoted by the Daily Record just last week, he said: “There is absolutely nothing in these stories about Ianis Hagi and Lazio.”
Of course, things could have changed in recent days, but it seems unlikely that the Serie A club’s stance would swing so wildly between complete apathy and keen interest in such a short space of time.
With contrasting reports and ongoing uncertainty over how this global heath crisis will affect the transfer market, this could be a saga that rumbles on for quite a while longer.
In other Rangers news, ‘Absolute nonsense’ – Ally McCoist fires back Rod Stewart over Gers comments.